Photo courtesy of GoJohnnies.com
While the Johnnies and the Nation that is unrivaled “enjoy” an off week (thanks to Macalester) the rest of the Football world will be all a twitter over the return of Brett Farve to Lambeau Field. The excruciating anticipation for the Packer faithful is due to Farve continually looking to mimic a chameleon with regard to his jersey color (and team) of choice during the previous three(3) off-seasons.
Luckily for the Johnnie Nation we do not have to worry about our own #4(Steven Johnson) ever pulling the above mentioned stunt. Or even contemplating changing uniforms with such disregard for the fans and institution said colors represent. For our #4 all that is needed is a Red and White simplistic (nowadays they call it throwback, I call it classy and understated) uniform and he is good to go!
And go is all the young Mr. Johnson has done since he hit the turf of the Natural Bowl. There is nothing more pleasing to this fan’s eye than seeing #4 carry the ball for the 2009 Johnnies with his usual authority and determination. And the above is done all while our young Mr. Johnson exhibits nothing but a maturity that many freshman do not, both on and off the field.
On the field when he is taken to the ground( while displaying a simplistic tape job on his cleats and wrists, one wrapped line, nothing more and nothing less) all we witness is the giving of the ball back to the Ref and Mr. Johnson trotting back to the Huddle for the next play. No over the top celebrations, no look at me gestures, just behaviors exhibited that all in the Johnnie Nation expect of their players. Why? Because our #4 knows that you do not get extra yards or points if your uniform or attitude is overly flashy.
Off of the field Mr. Johnson displays an appreciation of attending SJU, being a Johnnie and of course jogging out onto the Turf of Clemens Stadium to the cheers the Johnnie Nation. Simply put, our #4 gets it, while that other #4 does not!
In this modern day and age it seems that we have a bit of a throwback among us! Johnnie Nation, it is quite possible we have the next coming of Larry Csonka suiting up for us on weekly basis!
So while another famous (or dare I say infamous) #4 has gained a reputation for exhibiting some egomaniacal traits while dangling his services out in front of whatever fan base he chooses (hey I am not a Viking nor a Packer fan) we can all rest assured that at SJU the young man wearing #4 for will represent the Nation in Red and White while NEVER consider tugging at our heart strings in the off season!
He may be a freshman, but with his well chosen Jersey color(s) #4 Steven Johnson sure as heck knows how to Johnnie Up! And he does so with class! Enjoy the Bye. See ya at the Dome as we look to go 9-0 against the Auggies( remember to wear your hat crookedly and your pants low!)
